Mara River Crossing
7 -Day Great Wildebeest Migration & Ngorongoro Crater Safari
Valid
Mara River Crossing
Duration
7 Days | 6 Nights
Destinations
Arusha, Northern Serengeti, Central Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater
Pick Up
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Drop Off
Kilimanjaro International Airport
From Thundering Herds to Ancient Craters – Your Ultimate Tanzania Safari Starts Here
Best Time to Travel:
Wildebeest Migration Mara River Crossing Safari is available only from August to October, the peak period to witness the river crossing. Early booking is highly recommended due to limited availability during this world-famous spectacle.
Trip Highlights
Join Social Adventure Safari for a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Tanzania’s most iconic landscapes, from the vast plains of the Serengeti to the breathtaking depths of the Ngorongoro Crater. Witness the legendary Great Wildebeest Migration at the Mara River — best seen between August and October — where over 1.5 million wildebeests and zebras risk it all crossing crocodile-filled waters.
Experience thrilling game drives in Big Five territory, soar above the savannah on an optional hot air balloon safari, and immerse yourself in the rhythm of the wild. For the perfect finish, extend your adventure with a tropical escape to Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches and spice-scented coastal charm.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania / Transfer to Arusha
Your Social Adventure Safari begins with a warm welcome at Kilimanjaro International Airport and a scenic transfer to Arusha, your gateway to the wild. On the way, enjoy glimpses of Mount Meru and vibrant local life as your guide introduces you to Tanzania’s charm. After check-in at your lodge/ hotel, relax and prepare for the safari of a lifetime. Enjoy a delicious dinner and a peaceful overnight stay in Arusha.
Accommodation
Day 2: Fly to Northern Serengeti – Kogatende Region
Start your day with breakfast and a short flight from Arusha to the Kogatende Airstrip in the northern Serengeti, landing near the heart of the Wildebeest Migration action. After landing, enjoy a thrilling game drive where predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs roam the open plains. Explore the Mara River area, known for dramatic wildlife encounters, especially during crossing season. Settle into your camp/lodge with dinner and unwind under the stars.
Accommodation
Day 3: Witness the Mara River Crossing – Full-Day Game Drive
Today, head straight to the Mara River, where the migration herds gather, often hesitating before plunging into crocodile-filled waters. Along the way, encounter acacia-dotted plains filled with zebras, giraffes, topis, and elands. Keep watch for dramatic moments as wildebeest’s cross north or south—timing varies, and luck plays a role. Enjoy lunch by the riverbanks and return to camp/lodge at sunset for dinner and storytelling around the fire.
Accommodation
Day 4: Game Drive to Central Serengeti
After breakfast, depart for Central Serengeti, passing through the Seronera Valley—renowned for its dense wildlife and predator action. En route, marvel at the famous Kopjes, granite rock formations that attract lions and cheetahs. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge/camp, have lunch, and set out for an afternoon game drive on the golden plains. Wrap up with dinner and an overnight surrounded by the wild sounds of Serengeti.
Accommodation
Day 5: Full-Day Game Drive + Optional Balloon Safari
Begin your morning with an optional hot air balloon safari, soaring over the golden plains of Serengeti at sunrise, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush. Spend the rest of the day exploring the Seronera region, known for its abundant wildlife and thrilling predator-prey action. Discover prides of lions, cheetahs, leopards resting on trees, herds of elephants, and grazing zebras across the iconic savannah. Return to camp/lodge in the evening for dinner and a relaxed overnight under the stars.
Accommodation
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater Tour
Early in the morning, travel to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend 600 meters into the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Spot the Big Five, including the endangered black rhino, as well as wildebeests, zebras, and hippos around Lake Magadi. Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the crater with views of its lush, wildlife-packed floor. After a full day of game viewing, head to your lodge for dinner and a restful evening.
Day 7: Return to Arusha – Shanga Tour & Optional Zanzibar Extension
After breakfast, depart Ngorongoro and enjoy a scenic drive back to Arusha, taking in your final glimpses of Tanzania’s highlands. Arrive at Arusha Coffee Lodge for a relaxing lunch surrounded by lush gardens. Afterward, take a guided tour of Shanga, a social enterprise empowering people with disabilities through handmade, eco-conscious crafts. Later, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home — or opt to extend your adventure with a tropical escape to Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches.
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